45. Car Chase Television

Car chasesin the Los Angeles areaare a fairlyregular occurrence.In 2013there were over700 car chases.Car chases alsohave becomea source of entertainment.Many car chasesare captured on videoand broadcast liveas they are happening.No one has to waituntil the six o'clock newscomes on anymoreto find out aboutwhat happened.People can tune into their local broadcasttelevision stationand see it happeningin real time.These car chasesare often capturedwith the helpof a news channel's helicopter.The helicopter followsand films the chasethrough the streets,reporting what streetsthe cars are passing through.

People likewatching car chasesfor many reasons.They are intense,and filled with drama.A viewer never knowswhat will happen next.Will the drivergive up easily?Does the driverhave a weapon?Will the driverget into an accident?Will someonecrossing the streetget hit?Tune in to find out!Many channelssee their ratings soarwhen they air car chases.They are just giving the peoplewhat they want.

Police are notalways happywith the mediacovering car chaseslive on the air.Police worrythat people trying to escapeenjoy the attention.Police feel thatbroadcasting car chasesencourages peopleto escape.Police also worry thatthe attention bringsinnocent bystandersto the street.Someone could get hurt.The media insiststhey have the rightto show car chases.They feelthey are informing the public.

Car chases happenfor many reasons.Sometimes policewill chase someonewho stole a car.Other timesthe police may tryto do a routinetraffic stop.However, the driverwith the broken taillightmay have a warrantfor arrest,so off he drives.